Philadelphia Named First World Heritage City in U.S.

Last week, Philadelphia was named the first World Heritage City in the entire U.S. World Heritage cities are awarded the distinction based on their notable contributions to the world (they also must already be home to a UNESCO World Heritage site). In Philly’s case, Independence Hall rings UNESCO-worthy because both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed there. It received its designation in 1975, for the profound impact both documents had on democracy and lawmaking around the world.

The title, also held by cities like Paris, Jerusalem, and St. Petersburg, is more than just beneficial in name. According to Global Philadelphia study, foreign tourism could increase by at least 10 percent, with $150 million additional tourism revenue from the over 60,000 foreign tourists expected to flock to Philadelphia annually. Domestic tourism could increase by 2 percent, which, though small, could rake in an additional $100 million for the city. Philadelphia also plans to organize business connections with some of the other 266 World Heritage cities around the world, much like the university exchanges and joint research that already exist between sister cities like Florence and Tel Aviv.

"Between the pope's visit, the DNC [Democratic convention], and now this new international honor, Philadelphia is clearly making great strides," Philadelphia mayor-elect Jim Kenney said in a statement. Looks like the City of Brotherly Love is finally getting a well deserved, international hug back.